Gun-Free School Zones & Shootings Statistic (2025)

Report Highlights: School shootings are more prevalent after sweeping gun-free legislation than before.

• There has been a 200% increase in targeted school shootings since the Gun-Free School Zones Act (GFSA) of 1990.
• 67% of states where districts can arm teachers have had no targeted shootings at schools since passing the legislation (GFSA).
• There has been a 327% increase in shooting incidents on or near school campuses since 1990.

Related Studies: Children & Firearms: Definitions and Demographics Make All the Difference, Gun Laws and Enforcement Trends, Gun Laws vs. Crime Rates: 2025 Statistics & Laws

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The 1994 Gun-Free School Zones Act and School Shootings

There has been a 200% increase in targeted school shootings in the U.S. since the Gun-Free School Zones Act was passed in 1990. ^{Source 3, 4, 7, 8, 9}

Prior to the passing of the GFSA, there were seven targeted attacks on schools, leading to 23 deaths and 84 injuries. From the bill’s passage in 1995 through 2023, there have been 21 targeted attacks on schools, leading to 206 deaths and 204 injuries.

Note: A targeted, firearm-related attack on a school is exclusively one in which the attacker (A) targeted a school (as opposed to an individual), (B) did not include gang or familial violence, and (C) occurred at an operational institution during school hours.

States Allowing Teachers to Be Armed

A guardian or sentinel program allows a teacher to carry a firearm on campus so long as their school district approves and the teacher meets certain requirements. As of 2025, 15 states have sentinel or guardian programs.

There hasn’t been a school shooting incident in any schools with armed teachers. Likewise, there have been no school shootings in districts where teachers are armed. ^{Source 7, 8, 9} Although five of 15 states with sentinel or guardian programs have experienced at least one school shooting since passing the legislation, none of those states’ affected schools had armed teachers at the time of the incidents.

School Shootings: Before and After Gun-Free School Zones

Before the 1990 GFSA, only 389 recorded incidents would have violated the new law (threatening, brandishing, shooting, etc.). After 1991, there were 1,662 incidents: a 327% increase. ^{Source 1, 7}

All School Shootings: 1970-2022

Between January 1970 and June 2022, there were 2,069 firearm-related incidents on school campuses. Of these, 62% (1,284 incidents) occurred during school hours, with 637 happening on school grounds. Among those incidents, 498 involved a shooting during school hours on school campuses.

From 1970 to 2022, there were 191 active shooting incidents on school grounds, as defined by the FBI. Additionally, 237 incidents were gang-related, and 117 were domestic disputes.

Disputes led to 720 of these school shootings. There were also 140 drive-by shootings and 96 indiscriminate shootings. Incidents related to bullying or anger over suspensions or grades accounted for 94 shootings. Thirty-six shootings were attributed to psychosis, and 14 resulted from racial tensions (11 of which occurred before the GFSA).

School Shootings 1970-1989

Before the GFSA, 389 firearm-related incidents were recorded on or near school campuses. Many such incidents are unrecorded (as reporting isn’t required), although several others were notable enough to merit being reported in newspapers or to the FBI.

Among these incidents, 135 occurred during school hours, 124 occurred during school hours on school campuses, and 99 involved shots being fired. There were only 11 active shootings, 10 gang-related incidents, and 10 domestic disputes. Disputes accounted for 55 incidents, while bullying and suspension issues accounted for 16. Race-related incidents were higher, with 11 incidents recorded.

Note: The following data only include school-related shootings that occurred while students were present and on school property (unless otherwise stated).

School Shootings 1991-2022

After the GFSA, 1,662 notable firearm-related incidents were reported, with 958 occurring during school hours. Of these, 860 took place on school grounds, and 601 resulted in shots being fired.

See the full findings: Gun-Free School Zones & Shootings Statistic (2025)

Source: https://freedombunker.com/2025/08/22/gun-free-zones-and-school-shootings/